Some Interesting Facts About Lifetime Fitness

Because physical inactivity is a risk factor for many diseases and conditions, making physical activity an integral part of daily life is crucial. Overweight and obesity are increasing among all population groups. In 1999, an estimated 61 percent of adults in the U.S. were overweight or obese; this contrasts with the late 1970s, when an estimated 47 percent of adults were overweight or obese.

Regular physical activity along with a nutritious diet is key to maintaining a healthy weight. In order to maintain a healthy weight, there must be a balance between calories consumed and calories expended through metabolic and physical activity. Although overweight and obesity are caused by many factors, in most individuals, weight gain results from a combination of excess calorie consumption and inadequate physical activity.

Exercise Mistakes You Can Avoid

Ignoring The Experts. Not taking sound advice is the first exercise mistake many people make. Always consult your physician before starting a new fitness program. It might also be a good idea to hire a reputable personal trainer or qualified fitness coach, especially if you have been inactive for a long time. The right coach can do a lot to get you on the right track from day one. Without help you may waste a lot of time and cause yourself unnecessary harm.

Not Knowing Your Limits. Nobody knows your body better than you. Only you really know how much you can handle and what your limitations are.

Ditching the Warm-up. A warm-up prepares your body for exercise, makes your workout so much more enjoyable and is crucial in preventing injuries

Neglecting Technique. Poor technique and poor posture is a major concern among novice and seasoned exercisers. Make sure you know how to do it correctly. Never take anything for granted when you exercise. Even simple activities like jogging or walking require a special technique.

Poor Breathing. Yeah, sure! Everybody knows how to breathe! Many people actually do not breathe correctly, especially during exercise. Inexperienced exercisers often display rapid and shallow breathing which can lead to a shortage of oxygen and even cause dizziness or fainting. By breathing more naturally and deeply you will increase your capacity for exercise and be able to do more for longer with less effort

Too Much Too Soon. This remains a common mistake among novice exercisers. They think that if "some" is good, then "more" is even better. The outcome is often serious injuries or total burnout. Take it easy, you have the rest of your life to exercise.

Lifetime Fitness: The Key To The Good Life

The exciting news from recent scientific studies is that exercise benefits everyone – regardless of age. Exercise can help you take charge of your health and maintain the level of fitness necessary for an active, independent lifestyle. This should be reason enough to want to pursue lifetime fitness.

Many people think that as we age, we tend to slow down and do less. Physical decline is an inevitable consequence of aging. For the most part, this isn't true. According to The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, much of the physical frailty attributed to aging is actually the result of inactivity, disease, or poor nutrition. But the good news is – many problems can be helped or even reversed by improving lifestyle behaviors.

To put it simply – through a goal of lifetime fitness,exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health.

Top 15 Benefits of Lifetime Fitness

1. Increases your aerobic capacity (fitness level). This enables a "fit" person to have more energy at the end of the day and to get more accomplished during the day with less fatigue.

2. Maintains, tones, and strengthens your muscle.

3. Decreases your blood pressure.

4. Increases HDL (good) cholesterol.

5. Decreases blood levels of triglycerides (fat).

6. Makes the heart a more efficient pump.

7. Increases the strength of the bones, which reduces the chances of injury to them.

8. Causes the development of new blood vessels in the heart and other muscles, which improves circulation.

9. Improves control of blood sugar which can have a positive effect on diabetes.

10. Elevates your metabolism so that you burn more calories everyday, allowing you to better control your weight.

11. Increases the efficiency of the digestive system which may reduce the incidence of colon cancer.

12. Improves sleep patterns.

13. Increases the thickness of cartilage in joints which can reduce the problems associated with arthritis.

14. Increases the amount of blood that flows to the skin making it look and feel healthier.

15. Exercise just makes you feel GREAT!



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